Huge blow to Sri Lanka, star player taken to hospital on Day 4 after awkward dive on boundary

Sri Lanka’s veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal was taken to the hospital early on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test against India in Galle after his awkward fall on the boundary. Chandimal tried to save a boundary at deep square leg and succeeded. But, he tumbled over in an attempt to do that. It led to the entire weight of his body landing on his neck. He was seen clutching his neck a she got medical attention on the ground and taken off the field.

“Dinesh Chandimal sustained an injury to his right shoulder and neck while diving to prevent a boundary while fielding during the first session of day 4,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement on August 18.

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“He was assessed by the team physiotherapist and doctor on the ground and has been taken to the hospital for a precautionary scan.

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“Further updates will be provided once the scan results are available.”

In his absence, Milan Rathnayake came on as substitute fielder and took the catch of opener KL Rahul at mid-off as Prabath Jayasuriya broke the second-wicket partnership.

Setback for Sri Lanka ahead of run chase

Chandimal’s absence can be a big blow to Sri Lanka in what could be a mammoth run chase. Before getting out for a single-digit score to Manav Suthar in the first innings, he averaged 50 against India in Tests. His presence will be crucial for the hosts in the run chase.

His participation in the Test is doubtful. Even if he braves the injury and decides to bat, he is likely to not be at 100 per cent which may make it tough for him to bat for longer periods. It is yet to be seen whether he walks out to bat at no.4 or later in the innings.

Chandimal's record vs India

From 17 innings (including ongoing Test), Chandimal has 754 runs, averaging 47.12. He has two centuries and three fifties against India in Tests. The last time, Sri Lanka won a Test against India in Galle, Chandimal registered scores of 59 and 162 not out. Sri Lanka won the Test in August 2015 by 63 runs.